The charity's poll found that the average age of coming out for over-60s was 37; for people in their 30s it was 21; and for those now aged 18-24 was 17. Although the figures do not take into account those who have not yet come out, Stonewall said gay people nowadays had the confidence to come out earlier.

Coming out is a very personal process, with different people able to broach the issue of their sexuality at different stages in their lives. What prompted you to be open about being gay, and how old were you? Was it easy or traumatic? And are you glad you came out when you did?